Why And When People Travel By Beth Pitts

Psychological Factors Affecting Travel Choices Prestige Escape Education Social Interaction Family Bonding Self-Discovery

Prestige o w ly l o H R — od o e od e v i r D Respect and admiration resulting from high quality. Travel to choice destinations can provide a traveler with a level of fame, if only in the mind of the traveler.

Escape The desire to leave the daily routine of one’s life Beaches—Hilton Head, SC Caribbean—St. Thomas

Education • Travel is viewed as broadening. • Historical sites are popular

Social Interaction Travel provides opportunities to meet and interact with new and different people.

• Grandparents’ homes • Heritage/roots— Family reunions, weddings, funerals Family Bonding

Relaxation • A time to play and unwind • Attractions • Festivals

• “Finding oneself” • Beauty, nature and national parks— camping, hiking • Holistic vacations— Yoga retreats Self-Discovery

Basic Travel Motivators • Physical or relaxation motivator • Cultural motivator • Interpersonal motivator • Status and prestige motivator

Physical or Relaxation Motivator • Physical rest • Sporting as a spectator or participant • Examples: running, lounging in the sun, vacationing alone

Cultural Motivator • The desire for knowledge of other regions or countries • Religion, one of the first motivators of travel • Music • Art • Dances

Interpersonal Motivator • Meet new people • Make new friends • Visit friends or relatives • Escape from the daily routine

Status and Prestige Motivator • Desire for recognition, attention, appreciation and a good reputation • Major accomplishments, an award recipient, travel to currently popular destinations

Factors That Influence Destination Choices Total cost of trip Climate for comfort Purchase opportunities Word-of-Mouth Entertainment Recommendations Other Amenities

Seasonal Nature of Tourism • Peak period (high season) • Off-peak period (low season) • Shoulder season

Peak Period (High Season) Time when the destination is most desirable either for climatic reasons or because of some special event • Prices are high. • Demand is high. • This is a popular travel time.

Period or season when traffic volume or occupancy is not heavy • Traffic is usually low for an identifiable reason. • Prices are reduced. • Demand is low. d o i er P f Of P k ea w o (L a e S ) n so

Shoulder Season The period between peak and off-peak seasons. Shoulder seasons are attractive to people who do not need to travel during peak holiday months.

Factors Affecting Timing of the Peak/Off-Peak Period • Location and season of the destination and/or facility • Type of facility or business